Automated and illuminated cupholding devices and methods of use

ABSTRACT

Automated cupholding devices are presented including: a base for receiving a container of varying diameter; an arcuate actuating arm pivotally connected with the base for capturing the container; a presence sensor for detecting the container; an actuating assembly in mechanical communication with the arcuate actuating arm for pivoting the arcuate actuating arm in response to the presence sensor detecting the container; and a contact sensor for determining when the container is captured with a gripping force, where when the gripping force is reached, the actuating assembly stops pivoting the arcuate actuating arm. In some embodiments, devices further include: a limit sensor for determining when the arcuate actuating arm is fully closed. In some embodiments, devices further include: a clutching mechanism for manually limiting the arcuate actuating arm to the gripping force. In some embodiments, the presence sensor includes a contact switch sensor, an inductive sensor, and a strain gauge sensor.

BACKGROUND

Cupholding devices are as ubiquitous as the drinks they are designed to hold. Cupholding devices appear in automobiles, airplanes, strollers, chairs and any other place a person may be likely to spend any significant time. Cupholding devices allow users to keep a container at hand for extended periods so that other activities may proceed unencumbered. In most examples, cupholding devices provide a benign and welcome convenience.

In some examples, however, a cupholding device may provide an unnecessary distraction. For example, in a moving vehicle, an operator may be distracted when attempting to place a container in a cupholding device. In other examples, where visibility is poor such as at night, a cupholding device may not be readily visible. In those examples, additional effort may be required to properly seat a container. In some examples, an operator may be distracted for an unsafe period of time which may lead to unfortunate consequences.

Some conventional solutions may provide cupholding devices which may be adjusted to fit a particular sized container. Other conventional solutions may provide platforms which accommodate two or more fixed sized containers. Conventional solutions may not, however, adequately address all operating safety concerns. As such, automated and illuminated cupholding devices and methods of use are provided herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 is an illustrative representation of a cupholding device for holding two containers in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an illustrative representation of a motor driven arcuate actuating arm for a cupholding device in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an illustrative representation of a piston driven arcuate actuating arm for a cupholding device in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an illustrative schematic representation of a system for cupholding automation and illumination in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an illustrative flowchart of methods for using a cupholding device in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 is an illustrative flowchart of methods for illuminating a cupholding device in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to a few embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps and/or structures have not been described in detail in order to not unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

Various embodiments are described hereinbelow, including methods and techniques. It should be kept in mind that the invention might also cover articles of manufacture that includes a computer readable medium on which computer-readable instructions for carrying out embodiments of the inventive technique are stored. The computer readable medium may include, for example, semiconductor, magnetic, opto-magnetic, optical, or other forms of computer readable medium for storing computer readable code. Further, the invention may also cover apparatuses for practicing embodiments of the invention. Such apparatus may include circuits, dedicated and/or programmable, to carry out tasks pertaining to embodiments of the invention. Examples of such apparatus include a general-purpose computer and/or a dedicated computing device when appropriately programmed and may include a combination of a computer/computing device and dedicated/programmable circuits adapted for the various tasks pertaining to embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1 is an illustrative representation of a cupholding device 100 for holding two containers in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. As may be appreciated, the illustrative representation is only one example embodiment and is not intended to be limiting with respect to the number of containers held. For example, in some embodiments, one or more cupholding devices may be configured to hold one or more containers without departing from the present invention. Cupholding device 100 includes a base 102 for receiving a container of varying diameter. Base 102 provides a stable platform for supporting a container as well as actuating portions of cupholding device 100. Arcuate actuating arm 104 may be pivotally connected with the base at point 106. Arcuate actuating arm 104 actuates in response to a presence signal that indicates whether a container is present on base 102. A presence sensor (not shown) may include any sensor well-known in the art without departing from the present invention including a contact switch sensor, an inductive sensor and a stain gauge sensor. In this manner presence of a container may be in any manner appropriate to a particular operating environment. For example, in harsh environmental conditions, a contact switch sensor may be unduly exposed to damaging elements. In that example, a strain gauge sensor may be utilized.

When a container 108 is placed on base 102, arcuate actuating arm 104 captures container 108 by pivoting at point 106. Arcuate actuating arm 102 may be coupled with a contact sensor (not shown) so that an appropriate amount of gripping force may be applied to a container to adequately capture the container without crushing the container. In some embodiments, a contact sensor may include a strain gauge sensor and a torque sensor. In other embodiments, an arcuate actuating arm may include a clutching mechanism (not shown) which may allow the arcuate actuating arm to slip at a pivot point when sufficient forces have been met, thus providing for sufficient force to capture a container without crushing the container. In some embodiments, a gripping force of approximately less than 1 pound may be applied to a container.

In addition, in some embodiments a limit sensor (not shown) may be utilized to determine when an arcuate actuating arm is in a full-closed position. Sensors and sensor operations will be discussed in further detail below for FIGS. 4 and 5. When a container is not present, arcuate actuating arm may be pivoted to a full-open position. In some embodiments, arcuate actuating arm may be textured to provide a slip-resistant surface. In some embodiments, a slip-resistant surface may include: rubberized material, a textured rubberized material, a polymeric material, textured polymeric material, a gum material, and a textured gum material.

Additionally, in some embodiments, cupholding device 100 may include an illumination device (not shown) to provide a user visual assistance in locating the device. Illumination devices are generally well-known in the art and may be utilized without limitation and without departing from the present invention. In addition, illumination devices may include a presence sensor for detecting an object in proximity of a cupholding device. Presence sensors, in some embodiments may include a motion detector and an inductive sensor. Additionally, in some embodiments, illumination device may include a timing device for determining the length of time illumination is required. In some embodiments, the time of illumination is in the range of approximately one to 120 seconds. In some embodiments, an illumination device may be external to a cupholding device. In other embodiments, an illumination device may be internally integrated with a cupholding device. Methods of illumination will be discussed in further detail below for FIGS. 4 and 6.

FIG. 2 is an illustrative representation of a motor driven arcuate actuating arm 204 for a cupholding device 200 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. As noted above, arcuate actuating arm 204 actuates in response to a presence signal that indicates whether a container is present on base 202. In the illustrated configuration, a motor 224 may be utilized to drive a worm gear 222. In some embodiments, a torque motor may be utilized. Worm gear 222 may be in physical communication with a driven gear assembly 220 which is coupled with arcuate actuating arm 204 along a pivot axis 230. In some embodiments, a torque motor may be selected to provide a specific gripping force without crushing a container.

FIG. 3 is an illustrative representation of a piston driven arcuate actuating arm 304 for a cupholding device 300 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. As noted above, arcuate actuating arm 304 actuates in response to a presence signal that indicates whether a container is present on base 302. In the illustrated configuration, a piston assembly 322 may be attached with a drive assembly 320 that is, in turn, attached with arcuate actuating arm 304. Piston assembly 322 operates to pivot arcuate actuating arm 304 about a pivot axis 330. As may be appreciated, piston assemblies are well-known in the art and may be implemented without limitation and without departing from the present invention. In some embodiments, piston assemblies may include an electric solenoid plunger assembly, a pneumatic plunger assembly, a vacuum plunger assembly and a hydraulic plunger assembly. In some embodiments, a number of alignment connection points 324 may be utilized with drive assemble 320.

FIG. 4 is an illustrative schematic representation of a system 400 for cupholding automation and illumination in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. System 400 may include any number of functional elements that may be enabled in any number of manners well-known in the art without departing from the present invention. Cupholding functions 410 may include presence sensor 412, actuating device 414, contact sensor 416, notification element 418, and limit sensor 420. These elements utilized in embodiments of the present invention provide for automated cupholding functions. The illustrated elements are intended to provide a generalized functional representation that is useful in clarifying embodiments of the present invention and is not intended to be limiting. In like manner, illumination functions 450 may include presence sensor 452, illumination device 454, and ambient light detection device 456. These elements and their respective functions will be discussed in further detail below for FIGS. 5-6.

Turning to FIG. 5, FIG. 5 is an illustrative flowchart 500 of methods for using a cupholding device in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. At a first step 502, the method determines whether a container is detected. Containers may be detected when in contact with a base utilizing a presence sensor (see presence sensor 412, FIG. 4). As noted above, presence sensors may include a contact switch sensor, an inductive sensor, and a strain gauge sensor without departing from the present invention. If the method determines at a step 502 that a container is not detected, the method ends. If the method determines at a step 502 that a container is detected, the method continues to a step 504 to close an arcuate actuating arm utilizing an actuating device (see actuating device 414, FIG. 4). In embodiments, actuating devices may include: a torque motor driven worm gear coupled with a drive gear assembly, wherein the drive gear assembly is fixedly attached with the arcuate actuating arm along a pivoting axis, an electric solenoid plunger assembly pivotally attached with the arcuate actuating arm, a pneumatic plunger assembly pivotally attached with the arcuate actuating arm, a vacuum plunger assembly pivotally attached with the arcuate actuating arm, and a hydraulic plunger assembly pivotally attached with the arcuate actuating arm.

At a next step 506, the method determines whether sufficient gripping force to capture a container has been applied. As noted above, a container may be captured with an sufficient amount of gripping force to adequately capture the container without crushing the container. A contact sensor (see contact sensor 415, FIG. 4) may be utilized to determine the gripping force. In some embodiments, contact sensors may include a strain gauge sensor, and a torque sensor. In some embodiments, the contact sensor is configured to establish a gripping force of less than approximately 1 pound. If the method determines at a step 506 that a sufficient amount of gripping force has been applied, the method continues to a step 508 to hold the position of the arcuate actuating arm in a capture position. The method continues to a step 510 to determine whether the container is removed. In some embodiments, determining whether a container is removed may be accomplished by utilizing a presence sensor (see presence sensor 412, FIG. 4). If the method determines at a step 510 that the container is not removed, the method continues to a step 508 to hold the position of the arcuate actuating arm in a capture position. If the method determines at step 510 that a container has been removed, the method continues to a step 504 to close an arcuate actuating arm utilizing an actuating device. Thus, whenever a container is removed, the arcuate actuating arm fully closes and then fully opens to receive a container.

Returning to a step 506, if the method determines that sufficient gripping force has not been applied, the method continues to a step 514 to determine whether a container is detected. As above, containers may be detected when in contact with a base utilizing a presence sensor (see presence sensor 412, FIG. 4). If the method determines at a step 514 that a container is not detected, the method continues to a step 512 to open the arcuate actuating arm to a full-open position, whereupon the method ends. If the method determines at a step 514 that a container is detected, the method determines at a step 516 whether an actuating limit is reached. In embodiments, a limit sensor (see limit sensor 420, FIG. 4) may be utilized to determine an actuating limit. If the method determines at a step 516 that a limit has been reached, then the method continues to a step 508 to hold the position of the arcuate actuating arm in a capture position. In this manner, a small container may be at least partially captured.

In some instances, an error condition may occur. If the method determines at a step 516 that a limit has not been reached, the method continues to an optional step 518 to issue an alert or notification (see notification element 418, FIG. 4). Alerts may be logged using any method known in the art without departing from the present invention. At a next step, the method continues to a step 512 to open the arcuate actuating arm to a full-open position, whereupon the method ends.

FIG. 6 is an illustrative flowchart 600 of methods for illuminating a cupholding device in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. At a first step 602, the method determines whether presence is detected. That is, when the method detects an object, such as a hand, presence is detected. Presence may be detected utilizing a presence sensor (see presence sensor 452, FIG. 4). In some embodiments, a presence sensor may include a motion detector and an inductive sensor. If the method determines that no presence is detected at a step 602, then the method ends. If the method determines that presence is detected, the method continues to a step 604 to optionally determine whether headlights are on. Headlights being in the on position is one indication that there is insufficient ambient light intensity to safely utilize a cupholding device. If the method determines that the headlights are not on, the method ends. In some embodiments, a step 604 may optionally determine whether there is sufficient ambient light intensity using a sensor (see ambient light detection device 456, FIG. 4). In some embodiments, if the ambient light intensity is greater than approximately 1000 lux, the method will determine at a step 604 that there is sufficient ambient light intensity whereupon the method will end. In some embodiments, a step 604 is omitted altogether and a cupholding device is illuminated regardless of headlight or ambient light conditions.

At a next step 606, the cupholding device is illuminated. As noted above, a cupholding device may be externally or internally illuminated without limitation and without departing from the present invention. In some embodiments, illuminating the cupholding device occurs over a ramping change in illumination. Ramping illumination may be useful so as to not adversely draw attention to the cupholding device during other user operations. At a next step 608 a timer is started. In some embodiments, a timer may expire over a range of approximately 1 to 120 seconds. At a next step 610, the method determines whether the timer has expired. If the method determines that the timer has not expired at a step 610, the method continues to a step 612 to continue illuminating the cupholding device. If the method determines that the timer has expired at a step 610, the method continues to a step 614 to turn off the illumination whereupon the method ends.

While this invention has been described in terms of several embodiments, there are alterations, permutations, and equivalents, which fall within the scope of this invention. It should also be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing the methods and apparatuses of the present invention. Furthermore, unless explicitly stated, any method embodiments described herein are not constrained to a particular order or sequence. Further, the Abstract is provided herein for convenience and should not be employed to construe or limit the overall invention, which is expressed in the claims. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims be interpreted as including all such alterations, permutations, and equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention. 

1. An automated cupholding device comprising: a base for receiving a container of varying diameter; an arcuate actuating arm pivotally connected with the base for capturing the container; a first presence sensor for detecting the container; an actuating assembly in mechanical communication with the arcuate actuating arm for pivoting the arcuate actuating arm in response to the first presence sensor detecting the container; and a contact sensor for determining when the container is captured with a gripping force, wherein when the gripping force is reached, the actuating assembly stops pivoting the arcuate actuating arm.
 2. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a limit sensor for determining when the arcuate actuating arm is fully closed.
 3. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a clutching mechanism for manually limiting the arcuate actuating arm to the gripping force.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the first presence sensor is selected from the group consisting of: a contact switch sensor, an inductive sensor, and a strain gauge sensor.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the actuating assembly is selected from the group consisting of: a torque motor driven worm gear coupled with a driven gear assembly, wherein the driven gear assembly is coupled with the arcuate actuating arm along a pivoting axis, an electric solenoid plunger assembly pivotally attached with the arcuate actuating arm, a pneumatic plunger assembly pivotally attached with the arcuate actuating arm, a vacuum plunger assembly pivotally attached with the arcuate actuating arm, and a hydraulic plunger assembly pivotally attached with the arcuate actuating arm.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the contact sensor is selected from the group consisting of: a strain gauge sensor, and a torque sensor.
 7. The device of claim 6, wherein the contact sensor is configured to establish the gripping force less than approximately 1 pound.
 8. The device of claim 1 further comprising: a second presence sensor for detecting an object in proximity of the automated cupholder; and an illumination device for illuminating the automated cupholding device.
 9. The device of claim 8, further comprising: an ambient light detection device for determining an ambient light intensity, wherein the illumination device is configured to operate if the ambient light intensity is less than approximately 1000 lux.
 10. The device of claim 8, wherein the second presence sensor is selected from the group consisting of: a motion detector and an inductive sensor.
 11. An automated cupholding device comprising: a base for receiving a container of varying diameter; an arcuate actuating arm for capturing the container; a first presence sensor for detecting the container; an actuating assembly for translating the arcuate actuating arm in response to the first presence sensor detecting the container; a contact sensor for determining when the container is captured with a gripping force; a limit sensor for determining when the arcuate actuating arm is fully closed; a clutching mechanism for manually limiting the arcuate actuating arm to the gripping force; a second presence sensor for detecting an object in proximity of the automated cupholder; and an illumination device for illuminating the automated cupholding device.
 12. The device of claim 11, wherein the arcuate actuating arm is textured to provide a slip-resistant surface.
 13. The device of claim C2, wherein the slip-resistant surface is composed of a material selected from the group consisting of: a rubberized material, a textured rubberized material, a polymeric material, textured polymeric material, a gum material, and a textured gum material.
 14. A method for automating a cupholding device comprising: providing a base, the base configured with an arcuate actuating arm pivotally attached with the base for capturing a container; determining whether the container is in contact with the base; if the container is in contact with the base, pivotally closing the arcuate actuating arm; and when the arcuate actuating arm has captured the container, holding the arcuate actuating arm in a capture position to secure the container.
 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: when the container is removed, closing the arcuate actuating arm to an actuating limit; and pivotally opening the arcuate actuating arm.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein if the actuating limit is not reached, sending an notification that the automated cupholding device has malfunctioned; and resetting the automated cupholding device by opening the arcuate actuating arm.
 17. The method of claim 14, further comprising: determining when a motion is detected in a proximity of the automated cupholding device, and if motion is detected in the proximity of the automated cupholding device, illuminating the cupholding device until a timer expiry.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: before the illuminating the cupholding device, determining an ambient light intensity; and if the ambient light intensity is greater than approximately 1000 lux, expiring the timer.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein the illuminating the cupholding device occurs over a ramping change in illumination.
 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the timer expiry is set to a range of approximately 1 to 120 seconds.
 21. The method of claim 17, further comprising: before the illuminating, determining whether a driving light is illuminated; and if the driving light is not illuminated, expiring the timer. 